"New Monster, Nu Udra, Unveiled for Monster Hunter Wilds"

In an exciting development for Monster Hunter fans, the directors of Monster Hunter Wilds, Yuya Tokuda and Kaname Fujioka, have unveiled a new locale and a formidable monster in an exclusive interview with IGN. Dive into the details of the Oilwell Basin and its ruler, the Nu Udra.

Monster Hunter Wilds Introduces The Black Flame, Nu Udra

Welcome To Oilwell Basin

The Oilwell Basin stands out with its unique vertical structure, a departure from the series' typical horizontally expansive locales. Kaname Fujioka explains, "We had two horizontally broad locales in the Windward Plains and Scarlet Forest, so we decided to make the Oilwell Basin a vertically connected place. The deeper you go, the more magma-filled and hot it gets." The upper layers are characterized by oil-like swamps, creating a distinct "gradation" throughout the area.

Yuya Tokuda adds that the Oilwell Basin transforms during the Plenty event, resembling an underwater volcanic ecosystem. Drawing inspiration from the Coral Highlands in Monster Hunter World, the team crafted an environment that shifts from a smoky, volcanic appearance during the Fallow and Inclemency periods to a clear, marine-like ambiance during the Plenty. "Look closely at the environmental biology and you'll find that it's even a region inhabited by the kinds of creatures you'd expect to find on the ocean bed," Tokuda notes, highlighting the unique fauna that thrives in this seemingly lifeless area.

Nu Udra, The Black Flame

Dominating the Oilwell Basin is the "Black Flame," Nu Udra, a massive, octopus-like monster with a body adapted to its environment. Its slimy, flammable exterior allows it to use its tentacles to ensnare prey before incinerating them with scorching flames. Completing the trio of elemental rulers alongside Rey Dau of the Windward Plains and Uth Duna of the Scarlet Forest, Nu Udra brings the power of fire to the mix.

Fujioka reveals that the design of Nu Udra was inspired by his desire to include a tentacled creature, reimagining a marine animal to fit the game's aesthetic. "I’ve always wanted to add a tentacled creature at some point," he says, emphasizing the demonic look achieved through horn-like elements on its head. The monster's unique battle music, infused with themes of black magic, adds to its eerie presence. "We had the composers include phrases and musical instruments reminiscent of black magic. I think it ended up being a unique and good piece of music," Tokuda comments.

Facing Nu Udra is a formidable challenge, as it wields multiple tentacles and can execute both targeted and area-of-effect attacks rapidly. Its immunity to Flash Bombs, due to its reliance on tactile senses rather than vision, makes it an even tougher adversary.

More Monsters In The Basin

The Oilwell Basin is not just the domain of Nu Udra. The Ajarakan, a large, scaly, monkey-like creature enveloped in flames, also roams these lands. Its martial arts-inspired attacks and powerful fists make it a thrilling addition to the game's roster of monsters.

Another inhabitant is the Rompopolo, a globular monster with a needle-like mouth that emits toxic gases. Its eerie purple hue and glowing red eyes evoke the image of a mad scientist, an inspiration the developers openly embraced. Despite its menacing appearance, the Rompopolo's drops yield surprisingly "cute" equipment for both the Hunter and their Palico.

Adding to the excitement, the Gravios, a fan-favorite from Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, makes a return to the series. Its rocky carapace and fiery breath suit the volcanic environment of the Oilwell Basin perfectly. "When we were thinking of monsters that match the Oilwell Basin's environment, make sense in the game's overall progression and don't play too similarly to any other monsters, we thought that we could make Gravios seem like a fresh challenge and decided that it would reappear," Tokuda explains.

With these thrilling revelations, anticipation for the release of Monster Hunter Wilds on February 28th continues to build.